The Montana Department of Agriculture reports an influx of domestic pigs coming from Midwestern states where major processing plants are closed down due to COVID-19. Officials are reminding anyone buying pigs about livestock import requirements.
Major Midwest pork producers have been left with few options for selling their pigs. The Department of Ag says Montanans are beginning to buy some of those animals through unconventional channels. The department is reminding buyers of import requirements such as obtaining health certificates, import permits and identification tags.
Ag officials are also asking first-time buyers to be prepared to properly fence in pigs not immediately destined for a local slaughter house. Domestic pigs can quickly revert to a feral state if they escape, the state agency said. The department began a public campaign last year to increase awareness about its efforts to prevent the spread of feral swine, which can cause millions of dollars in crop and property damage, into the state.
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